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Any neighborhoods under $400,000 homes that I'm not thinking of?
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Anonymous
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$400,000 is our max and we have a family so we want decent public schools. We're thinking of Burke or Springfield (hopefully Lake Braddock or West Springfield pyramids). I think we can get a small fixer-upper SFH or a nice townhouse for that there. We don't love the thought of living out there though (we currently rent a 2 bedroom on Cap Hill). We need a 3 bedroom place though and want public schools. Any other options we haven't considered? My husband commutes to DC (capitol hill).
Or tell me why you love Burke/Springfield! Thanks! |
Anonymous
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Do not move from Capitol Hill to Springfield/Burke. You will hate it. I lived there for over 20 years. Its nice but is very suburban and unless you are really more towards Burke the population has aged so not as many young kids. The commute is tough - from DC via car it can take up to 90 mintues (and yes, you will get told its 45 minutes or less but know that many people start couting the time of their commute from the time they hit 395 until they get off at the Springfield exit and not door to door - again I did the commute for years from Consitution ave, over the memorial bridge out to West Springfield and left at 3:45pm on the dot each day from my building and still it was a very long drive)
Springfield/Burke area is not walkable at all. Downtown Springfield is not any kind of destination. Springfield is not as kid friendly as other areas - again because the population aged. Burke is much better. Also, the demographics shifted and the local elementary schools are not as good as they once were. |
Anonymous
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I would look closer in but I commute into DC. For example, look in Annandale at Red Fox Forest in the Woodson district.
http://www.homesdatabase.com/home-listings-RED+FOX+FOREST-ANNANDALE-VA-MRIS-FX7565291 |
Anonymous
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People in Springfield really do underestimate their commute. They all say it takes then 45 mins to an hour, but there is NO way.
Are you set on Virginia? If your husband is on the hill and can metro, what about Silver Spring or Kensington? He can take red line to Union Station. You can find something in your budget there. |
Anonymous
There is a way but it normally requires very flexible scheduling. Certainly not for the typical 9 - 5 work schedule, though. |
Anonymous
| true, but I'd hate to ONLY be able to have a reasonable commute if I had a flex schedule. |
Anonymous
| OP, I haven't looked but I think the little townhouses in Fairlington/Shirlington should be in that price range, and that's a much better commute with decent public schools. |
Anonymous
| Howard County but commute will not be fun.... but Burke sounds just as bad or worse to me. |
Anonymous
Eastern part certainly not Western, as most homes are anywhere from $600K on up You can find decent homes in Ellicott City, but the commute will indeed be horrible. Centennial is the HS - which is very good. It's been around and has a solid reputation. There are townhomes (upscale) in Maple Lawn (off 216 and Rte. 29) which run from mid $400s on up. very roomy, nice open layouts Reservoir is the HS. Most elementary schools in Ho Co are good, by the way. But the commute's much better if you're heading toward Baltimore. |
Anonymous
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There's 70s vintage THs (3BR + a large basement) that occasionally show up for 400k or less around the north side of Vienna Metro.
You may want to keep an eye on 22180 and 22181, although you won't get a SFH there. If you're ok with Maryland, there's plenty of options in Rockville/North Bethesda, which zone to Rockville, Walter Johnson, and Richard Montgomery. If you're liking Capital Hill, I'd imagine you'd prefer downtown Rockville to random tract in Burke/Springfield (could be wrong). |
Anonymous
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You're in the low range for South Arlington, but you should keep an eye on it anyway. I saw a few houses in Douglas Park that were not much more than $400K.
Only downside of Fairlington (which is great) is that the condo fee is pretty high - over $300/month. I'd rather have a bigger mortgage than a $300/month condo/hoa fee. |
Anonymous
| Had you considered Silver Spring near the Red line. Many homes under $400,000. The red line goes to Union Station. Is that close enough so you don't have to get on the blue/orange line and go to capitol south? |
Anonymous
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http://www.weichert.com/38328945/?zip=22310&pg=6
OK- it isn't modern BUT it's more house than you get for the money along other not-far-out metro runs 15 minute walk to van dorn metro quiet cul de sac Bush hill school is one of smallest in fairfax tall older trees 15 minutes to old town alexandria convenient shopping no home owners association, but quiet family friendly neighborhood |
Anonymous
| Anyway (suggested Rockville/North Bethesda earlier) ... I thought Capitol Hill had decent elementary schools ... I mean, it at least gives you a couple years to save up ... OTOH, changing a kid's life in 3rd/4th grade is different than changing the kid's life at 3/4. |
Anonymous